How did you prepare for natural delivery?

For moms who have been able to deliver naturally, how did you prepare? I'm not opposed to pain medication but have a condition that makes it unlikely I'll be able to get an epidural. So it's au naturele or c-section for me, and I strongly prefer to avoid the c-section if at all possible. I have a hypnobirthing home study course that I plan to start working on next week, but just wondering what methods worked for others. I'm a little nervous about relying on a home study course rather than live people to prepare.

Thanks in advance!

For moms who have been able to deliver naturally, how did you prepare? I'm not opposed to pain medication but have a condition that makes it unlikely I'll be able to get an epidural. So it's au naturele or c-section for me, and I strongly prefer to avoid the c-section if at all possible. I have a hypnobirthing home study course that I plan to start working on next week, but just wondering what methods worked for others. I'm a little nervous about relying on a home study course rather than live people to prepare.

Another option besides IV meds might be nitrous gas. I too have a situation where an epidural is not really an option, but was wondering if there was another alternative to at least take some of the edge off but not as strong as iv meds. The nurses just told me its definitely available at our hospital, but I'm not sure it is at every one. Plus, it doesn't affect the baby at all and is out of your system as soon as you stop using it...

Good luck!

Another option besides IV meds might be nitrous gas. I too have a situation where an epidural is not really an option, but was wondering if there was another alternative to at least take some of the edge off but not as strong as iv meds. The nurses just told me its definitely available at our hospital, but I'm not sure it is at every one. Plus, it doesn't affect the baby at all and is out of your system as soon as you stop using it...

I'll have to ask about that - thank you. I don't like the idea of IV narcotics because those do cross the placenta, and if he's born before they wear off he can have breathing problems as a result. The nurses say that some people react badly to the IV meds, too, and from what I've read they can mess with your "focus" if you're using other comfort measures. Nitrous is really interesting because it stops working as soon as the mask is off, so if you're not doing well with it you just stop and aren't left with the effects.Â

Out of curiosity, why are you epidural-free? I have low platelets, so the risk of epidural hematoma is too high for me. :(

I'll have to ask about that - thank you. I don't like the idea of IV narcotics because those do cross the placenta, and if he's born before they wear off he can have breathing problems as a result. The nurses say that some people react badly to the IV meds, too, and from what I've read they can mess with your "focus" if you're using other comfort measures. Nitrous is really interesting because it stops working as soon as the mask is off, so if you're not doing well with it you just stop and aren't left with the effects.Â

Out of curiosity, why are you epidural-free? I have low platelets, so the risk of epidural hematoma is too high for me. :(

I'll try to keep this short:) I've been induced with all three of my boys, but with the first two I managed labor without any pain-relief. With my 3rd I had back labor that was so bad I wasn't making any progress because I started to panic. It didn't help that the nurse was very pitocen(sp?) happy. Neither Dh or I took special classes and I had equal shares of good and not-my-favorite nurses. My best advice to anyone wanting natural- avoid induction. Stay at home as long as possible. My babies got too big so that wasn't possible for me. Next best advice, make sure that your partner is on the same page. If he goes to the hospital packed with enough electronics to start a small business, he is not going to be much help! Calming music and lotions are good. Really, anything that you find comforting and soothing is good to take along. Just be careful to not over pack:) Most of the things that I've packed never left the bag.Check with the hospital to see what all of your options are. I spent a lot of time in the shower and pacing the halls with my 1st. But, with my 3rd, I wasn't allowed to leave the room and it didn't have a shower. Sorry, this was longer than I planned and I could continue to ramble on:)

I'll try to keep this short:) I've been induced with all three of my boys, but with the first two I managed labor without any pain-relief. With my 3rd I had back labor that was so bad I wasn't making any progress because I started to panic. It didn't help that the nurse was very pitocen(sp?) happy. Neither Dh or I took special classes and I had equal shares of good and not-my-favorite nurses. My best advice to anyone wanting natural- avoid induction. Stay at home as long as possible. My babies got too big so that wasn't possible for me. Next best advice, make sure that your partner is on the same page. If he goes to the hospital packed with enough electronics to start a small business, he is not going to be much help! Calming music and lotions are good. Really, anything that you find comforting and soothing is good to take along. Just be careful to not over pack:) Most of the things that I've packed never left the bag.Check with the hospital to see what all of your options are. I spent a lot of time in the shower and pacing the halls with my 1st. But, with my 3rd, I wasn't allowed to leave the room and it didn't have a shower. Sorry, this was longer than I planned and I could continue to ramble on:)

I really like our Bradley classes... if you can't find one in your area, you can just get the book "Husband Coached Childbirth" it's really insightful. Of course, this is my first, so I'm not an expert but my Mom used the ideas with all four of her natural births and felt like having my Dad as a coach was perfect.

I really like our Bradley classes... if you can't find one in your area, you can just get the book "Husband Coached Childbirth" it's really insightful. Of course, this is my first, so I'm not an expert but my Mom used the ideas with all four of her natural births and felt like having my Dad as a coach was perfect.

I've had back surgery and have a lot of hardware along my spine. The surgery led to some nerve damage and they're worried (I'm worried) that they won't be able to get the epidural in, and/or it won't be as affective because of the previous nerve damage.Â

I'm pretty ok with it all though, because I have such a terrible phobia of needles... I think getting one would make me have a mental break down more so than the pain of natural childbirth, lol. But we shall see :)

I've had back surgery and have a lot of hardware along my spine. The surgery led to some nerve damage and they're worried (I'm worried) that they won't be able to get the epidural in, and/or it won't be as affective because of the previous nerve damage.Â

I'm pretty ok with it all though, because I have such a terrible phobia of needles... I think getting one would make me have a mental break down more so than the pain of natural childbirth, lol. But we shall see :)

Out of my 3 births....2 were natural. I would have to say my best advise is to focus. Do what works for you. Don't care about what anyone thinks. I'm a moaner. That's how i cope with the contractions, and I can not STAND anyone to touch me while I'm going through a contraction. And it really helped to have my husband let me know when we peaked on the contraction. I know some people prefer music, or other focusing methods. I personally deal with it inside. And of course breathe and moan my way through it. I LOVED my natural births. The one time I had an epidural, it was not aÂ pleasantÂ experienceÂ for me. I hope you have a goodÂ experienceÂ and that it all goes well. :)

Out of my 3 births....2 were natural. I would have to say my best advise is to focus. Do what works for you. Don't care about what anyone thinks. I'm a moaner. That's how i cope with the contractions, and I can not STAND anyone to touch me while I'm going through a contraction. And it really helped to have my husband let me know when we peaked on the contraction. I know some people prefer music, or other focusing methods. I personally deal with it inside. And of course breathe and moan my way through it. I LOVED my natural births. The one time I had an epidural, it was not aÂ pleasantÂ experienceÂ for me. I hope you have a goodÂ experienceÂ and that it all goes well. :)

Thanks for posting. I'm so glad to hear your birth experiences were so good. I think I'm more confident with every positive natural birth story I read. I talked to a woman the other day who's delivered her first naturally because she couldn't afford an epidural (and it isn't covered by medicaid in Florida). Her second was a c-section due to complications, and she told me she's have a c-section any day over a natural birth. Kinda scared me about my choices.Â

Thanks for posting. I'm so glad to hear your birth experiences were so good. I think I'm more confident with every positive natural birth story I read. I talked to a woman the other day who's delivered her first naturally because she couldn't afford an epidural (and it isn't covered by medicaid in Florida). Her second was a c-section due to complications, and she told me she's have a c-section any day over a natural birth. Kinda scared me about my choices.Â

Thanks for all the information. Thankfully our hospital has showers in each room, and the L&D nurse who did our tour said the natural moms really take advantage of them. She even reminded DH to bring his swim trunks so he can get in there with me.Â

Out of curiosity, I'm all for laboring for as long as possible at home. But my hospital is a 30 minute drive for me, and I already have anxiety about waiting too long. As somebody who's been there before, do you know when it's REALLY time to go to the hospital?

Thanks for all the information. Thankfully our hospital has showers in each room, and the L&D nurse who did our tour said the natural moms really take advantage of them. She even reminded DH to bring his swim trunks so he can get in there with me.Â

Out of curiosity, I'm all for laboring for as long as possible at home. But my hospital is a 30 minute drive for me, and I already have anxiety about waiting too long. As somebody who's been there before, do you know when it's REALLY time to go to the hospital?

I wonder about when to leave too. The L&D nurse who taught our childbirth class told us that 90% of first timers come in too early. She advised that when you think it's time to come in, you have time to eat lunch, bake some cookies, make a run to Dunkin, and maybe then stop by L&D to get checked. Or maybe she just wants us to bring her some cookies. :)

I wonder about when to leave too. The L&D nurse who taught our childbirth class told us that 90% of first timers come in too early. She advised that when you think it's time to come in, you have time to eat lunch, bake some cookies, make a run to Dunkin, and maybe then stop by L&D to get checked. Or maybe she just wants us to bring her some cookies. :)

With my first, I would definantly have said that "You'll know!" Walking and talking through contractions was nearly impossible. I agree with a pp's comment about the baking the cookies, Dunkin' Donuts comment. Where you live a little further away, I would skip the donuts:) Now with my second, I would have cut it close. I think that I would have only been in the hospital for about an hour before he was born (if I hadn't been induced). Keep in mind though, my body had already done this once.To be completely honest, too many of us spend the last trimester of our pregancies complaining about the pains of our pregnancies. But, usually, those pains are nothing compared to transition labor. Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying that we aren't uncomfortable or even in pain, but it's really not the same. Even after 3 deliveries, I still need to be reminded of what "real" pain feels like. I'm not trying to scare anyone, but it is good to spend time preparing and "knowing" that the pain could be really bad. Also, it is really amazing how easy it is to forget the pain when you're holding your baby in your arms:)

With my first, I would definantly have said that "You'll know!" Walking and talking through contractions was nearly impossible. I agree with a pp's comment about the baking the cookies, Dunkin' Donuts comment. Where you live a little further away, I would skip the donuts:) Now with my second, I would have cut it close. I think that I would have only been in the hospital for about an hour before he was born (if I hadn't been induced). Keep in mind though, my body had already done this once.To be completely honest, too many of us spend the last trimester of our pregancies complaining about the pains of our pregnancies. But, usually, those pains are nothing compared to transition labor. Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying that we aren't uncomfortable or even in pain, but it's really not the same. Even after 3 deliveries, I still need to be reminded of what "real" pain feels like. I'm not trying to scare anyone, but it is good to spend time preparing and "knowing" that the pain could be really bad. Also, it is really amazing how easy it is to forget the pain when you're holding your baby in your arms:)

If you haven't seen it yet, I really enjoyed the movie, The Business of Being Born. It just confirmed that I should be confident in my body and what it can do.Â

Another helpful thing that the nurse teaching our classes told us...There are three givens in labor:1. Its hard work.2. Its going to hurt.3. You will get through it.

I think we just really have to trust that this is what our bodies were made for and that is a huge confidence boost! Also, for me personally, knowing that the pain will end. Just keep telling yourself that in a few hours it will be over... tomorrow you'll have your baby. I think I'm going to pick a large number of hours though, like 24 (after arriving to the hospital). I'm worried if I keep telling myself that in 12 hours it will be over, and if its not then I'll get really down.Â

If you haven't seen it yet, I really enjoyed the movie, The Business of Being Born. It just confirmed that I should be confident in my body and what it can do.Â

Another helpful thing that the nurse teaching our classes told us...There are three givens in labor:1. Its hard work.2. Its going to hurt.3. You will get through it.

I think we just really have to trust that this is what our bodies were made for and that is a huge confidence boost! Also, for me personally, knowing that the pain will end. Just keep telling yourself that in a few hours it will be over... tomorrow you'll have your baby. I think I'm going to pick a large number of hours though, like 24 (after arriving to the hospital). I'm worried if I keep telling myself that in 12 hours it will be over, and if its not then I'll get really down.Â

I'm a goal person too, which scares me a little because there's no knowing where the end is. When I run marathons, I can deal with pushing through a wall because I know it all ends at 26.2. If I had to keep running without knowing where the end of the race was I honestly don't know if I could mentally do it. So I'm afraid too that I'll start playing mental games with myself, like 100 more contractions or 12 more hours or something like that, and I'll be off my rocker when I get to 100 and it's not over.Â

I've been doing the hypnobirthing home study, which I hope will help, but unfortunately I keep falling asleep during the practice sessions so I don't know how much I'm actually getting out of it (except a good nap every day).Â

I'm a goal person too, which scares me a little because there's no knowing where the end is. When I run marathons, I can deal with pushing through a wall because I know it all ends at 26.2. If I had to keep running without knowing where the end of the race was I honestly don't know if I could mentally do it. So I'm afraid too that I'll start playing mental games with myself, like 100 more contractions or 12 more hours or something like that, and I'll be off my rocker when I get to 100 and it's not over.Â

I've been doing the hypnobirthing home study, which I hope will help, but unfortunately I keep falling asleep during the practice sessions so I don't know how much I'm actually getting out of it (except a good nap every day).Â

I had a pitocin induced labor and c-section the first go 'round and a completely natural birth the second time. I would opt for natural birth ANYDAY! Yes the pain is pretty intense during transition but that is when you know the end is right around the corner. The end is the pushing and to me, that was my favorite part. It was such a relief to actually focus the energy on an outcome! Once that baby is out the pain is over and you will feel like SuperWoman! After my c-section you usually go through withdrawal from the drugs. I sat and shivered for a good half hour and wasnt able to have my baby in my arms for 3 hours despite my crying and pleading. I just felt way more out of control of the situation. With my natural birth I was completely energized after! Must have been left over adrenaline or something. My baby never left my arms after being placed on my chest immediately after delivery. It was amazing. We took the Bradly classes and have no complaints on the cost. It was worth every penny, especially for my DH being that it was his first birth. I realize how expensive it can be for others though, especially considering the economy these days! Two great books to just alleviate the whole "pain" fear is one by Ina May. You can get her book cheap on Amazon, "Ina May's Guide to Childbirth". Her website is here; http://www.inamay.com/. The other book is the "Thinking Woman's Guide to a Better Birth" by Henci Goer.

My midwife and Bradly teacher both told me to leave for the hospital when you can no longer speak! That's usually why they want to speak to the mom when you call the hospital or your birth assistant...to see how well you are talking. You will know you are in active labor when the contractions force you to concentrate and leave you speechless~

Women who have not had a natural birth or one they were not sufficiently prepared for usually can not even begin to grasp the idea that unmedicated birth can be (hard work) but awesome! I know if I had not read as much or had the assistance of a midwife and Bradly teacher I might have been too scared and anxious during delivery to get through it unmedicated. At the end of transition for example, I had a moment where I begged for drugs! I told my midwife I could just not do it ....and her kind, grounded, and simple words were, "Yes, you can...because you ARE." Then only moments later came the best part..PUSHING!

Best of luck to all of you..no matter how you do it!!

I had a pitocin induced labor and c-section the first go 'round and a completely natural birth the second time. I would opt for natural birth ANYDAY! Yes the pain is pretty intense during transition but that is when you know the end is right around the corner. The end is the pushing and to me, that was my favorite part. It was such a relief to actually focus the energy on an outcome! Once that baby is out the pain is over and you will feel like SuperWoman! After my c-section you usually go through withdrawal from the drugs. I sat and shivered for a good half hour and wasnt able to have my baby in my arms for 3 hours despite my crying and pleading. I just felt way more out of control of the situation. With my natural birth I was completely energized after! Must have been left over adrenaline or something. My baby never left my arms after being placed on my chest immediately after delivery. It was amazing. We took the Bradly classes and have no complaints on the cost. It was worth every penny, especially for my DH being that it was his first birth. I realize how expensive it can be for others though, especially considering the economy these days! Two great books to just alleviate the whole "pain" fear is one by Ina May. You can get her book cheap on Amazon, "Ina May's Guide to Childbirth". Her website is here; http://www.inamay.com/. The other book is the "Thinking Woman's Guide to a Better Birth" by Henci Goer.

My midwife and Bradly teacher both told me to leave for the hospital when you can no longer speak! That's usually why they want to speak to the mom when you call the hospital or your birth assistant...to see how well you are talking. You will know you are in active labor when the contractions force you to concentrate and leave you speechless~

Women who have not had a natural birth or one they were not sufficiently prepared for usually can not even begin to grasp the idea that unmedicated birth can be (hard work) but awesome! I know if I had not read as much or had the assistance of a midwife and Bradly teacher I might have been too scared and anxious during delivery to get through it unmedicated. At the end of transition for example, I had a moment where I begged for drugs! I told my midwife I could just not do it ....and her kind, grounded, and simple words were, "Yes, you can...because you ARE." Then only moments later came the best part..PUSHING!

y dont you try gas and air (entinox)? i used it last time and found it amazing - the statistics say it has the same pain relief effect as pethidine, but it doesnt affect the baby in any way, so non invasive and no side affects....

y dont you try gas and air (entinox)? i used it last time and found it amazing - the statistics say it has the same pain relief effect as pethidine, but it doesnt affect the baby in any way, so non invasive and no side affects....

I was hoping Michelle would have commented on this already because she's given me good advice. One thing she said was Evening Primrose oil and Red Raspberry Leaf tea. She would be better at explaining why to use them. I know the tea helps stregthen the uterine muscles so when it comes time contractions will get a lot more work done. The oil can be inserted vaginally or taken orally, it's helps to condition the cervix I think. And (don't quote me) I think she said start taking them around 32 weeks. I still need to buy some, I am excited to use it.

I also go on the Birthing Options board, and the Green Parenting board. They have given me a lot of good advice, like finding my own way to meditate once a day and tell myself I can do this. I've gotten a lot of suggestions on books, I finally ordered three off Amazon. A Bradley method one, and Birthing From Within, and Ina May's Guide to Childbirth. I really can't wait to get them.

I heard wonderful things about Hypnobirthing, which just helps you find a very peaceful place to get to instead of focusing on pain.

If your interested in that first stuff message Michelle and ask her cause I could be wrong haha. Good luck!

I was hoping Michelle would have commented on this already because she's given me good advice. One thing she said was Evening Primrose oil and Red Raspberry Leaf tea. She would be better at explaining why to use them. I know the tea helps stregthen the uterine muscles so when it comes time contractions will get a lot more work done. The oil can be inserted vaginally or taken orally, it's helps to condition the cervix I think. And (don't quote me) I think she said start taking them around 32 weeks. I still need to buy some, I am excited to use it.

I also go on the Birthing Options board, and the Green Parenting board. They have given me a lot of good advice, like finding my own way to meditate once a day and tell myself I can do this. I've gotten a lot of suggestions on books, I finally ordered three off Amazon. A Bradley method one, and Birthing From Within, and Ina May's Guide to Childbirth. I really can't wait to get them.

I heard wonderful things about Hypnobirthing, which just helps you find a very peaceful place to get to instead of focusing on pain.

If your interested in that first stuff message Michelle and ask her cause I could be wrong haha. Good luck!

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